Metal matrix composites (MMC's) consist of a metallic matrix combined with dispersed particulate phases as reinforcement. In this study mechanical behaviour and tensile characteristics of 2024 and 2900 alloy matrix composites produced by a powder metallurgy process are investigated as a function of microstructure-strength properties. Two different Samples of Al alloy composites are prepared using 6 wt% Al2O3 and 6 wt% SiC as reinforcement phase in each. Hardness and tensile properties of these samples are investigated using Instron testing machine. The results indicated that tensile properties of the composites significantly improved in the yield strength, UTS and elastic modulus, on incorporation of hard, brittle ceramic particles as compared to unreinforced counterparts. The analysis of mechanical behaviour has revealed that the strength improves significantly with increase in microwave sintering temperature. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd.